Production MethodsUndecane is obtained from the refining of petroleum.
Paraffins are isolated by selective adsorption followed
by fractional distillation to produce the desired mix of nparaffins
(63).

General DescriptionA colorless liquid. Insoluble in water and less dense than water. Flash point 130°F. Used to make other chemicals.

Air & Water ReactionsFlammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity ProfileSaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as n-Hendecane, may be incompatible with strong oxidizing agents like nitric acid. Charring of the hydrocarbon may occur followed by ignition of unreacted hydrocarbon and other nearby combustibles. In other settings, aliphatic saturated hydrocarbons are mostly unreactive. They are not affected by aqueous solutions of acids, alkalis, most oxidizing agents, and most reducing agents.

Health HazardInhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

CarcinogenicityUndecane (25 mg) and benzo[a]
pyrene (B[a]P) (5 mg) were applied to the skin of female ICR/
Ha Swiss mice for 3/week for 440 days, inducing papillomas
in 41 of 50 animals. B[a]P alone induced tumors in 12 of 50
animals in the same time, while undecane alone did not
produce tumors.